An introduction to the Handbook

This introductory chapter to the SAGE Handbook on Decision Making, Assessment and Risk in Social Work outlines the general scope of the Handbook. In particular, this Introduction highlights the inter-connectedness of professional judgement; assessment and decision-making tools and processes; and the conceptualisation, communication, assessment and management of risk. The scope of this Handbook includes not only the practice of social work, but also the involvement of clients and families, and the management, regulation, teaching and research that underpin the profession and the provision of services. The Handbook has been written to be relevant across the main practice areas of individual and family social work. As well as outlining the aims, contributors and issues of terminology, this Introduction describes the structure and scope of the Handbook, and makes some comment on contributory knowledge disciplines.